Report: Big 12, Gonzaga 'resume top-level discussions' regarding expansion

Many thought the Big 12 was finished adding schools to their conference, but that may not be the case after all.

According to Seth Davis of The Messenger, the Big 12 has resumed “top-level discussions” about possibly adding the Gonzaga Bulldogs to their conference, with the move coming as early as next year.

“Gonzaga and the Big 12 have resumed top-level discussions about the possibility of the school joining the conference in all sports, perhaps as early as next year, multiple sources told The Messenger,” wrote Davis. “The renewed push is being spearheaded by Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark, who presented his case for Gonzaga’s inclusion during last week’s Big 12 meetings in Dallas. Yormark made the pitch during separate sessions with the league’s athletic directors and presidents. He augmented his case with a presentation deck that laid out the data and strategy behind the potential move.

“Yormark’s proposal took some of the attendees by surprise because he had publicly declared in mid-August that the Big 12’s realignment conversations were ‘no longer’ ongoing after adding Arizona, Arizona State and Utah. Those schools are finishing up their final seasons in the Pac-12, as is Colorado, which decided in July to leave for the Big 12.”

While Yormark has continued discussions with Gonzaga, Davis also relayed that he’s currently not in discussions any longer with the Connecticut Huskies. Some thought UConn could be a great addition for the Big 12, but it looks like it won’t be happening.

Continuing, Davis added that if all goes according to plan, Gonzaga will join the conference next season, but the option for the future is still there, as well.

“Sources told The Messenger that Yormark would like to see Gonzaga join the Big 12 for the 2024-25 season, but that timetable would be a best-case scenario,” added Davis. “The Big 12 schools are still digesting the financial ramifications of adding the schools that agreed over the summer to come on board — as well as this year’s additions of Houston, Cincinnati, BYU and UCF. There are many logistical questions that would need to be answered, such as scheduling and how the conference tournament format would be adjusted to account for 17 schools with Gonzaga in the mix.

“Despite those logistical issues, Yormark received permission from the Big 12 presidents to continue negotiations. He also has an option of reaching an agreement with Gonzaga that would bring the school on board in 2025.”

Alas, time will tell if the Big 12 does in fact add Gonzaga, but it’s evident the wheels are in motion at the moment.